Socceroo silences 'keyboard warriors' with heroics
Then he sealed Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance.
But his teammates never doubted his value, or ability to step up.
Duke, who for a second consecutive window was left out of Tony Popovic's squad only to earn a late reprieve, is soaking it all in.
The veteran striker came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Japan that effectively sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Then Popovic called on Duke to start against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where Australia only needed to avoid defeat by less than five goals.
Australia conceded the opener but in the 42nd minute, Duke teed up Connor Metcalfe to score the equaliser.
Three minutes after halftime, the much-maligned striker glanced home a header to put Australia in front with his first goal since January 2024.
"I wasn't even supposed to be here, to be honest," Duke said.
"Mat Leckie got injured, and I was a late call-up.''
He joked: "Got the voodoo doll out and maybe injured Leckie. Nah, kidding, sorry, mate.
"But it feels good, and probably a good way to silence some of the keyboard warriors as well. Feels good."
Duke had previously been open about critics on social media coming for him after he missed chances in Australia's Asian Cup quarter-final exit last year.
Winger Martin Boyle was singing the praises of hard-working Duke, one of the heroes of Australia's golden run at the 2022 World Cup.
"Absolutely delighted for him," Boyle told AAP.
"Obviously, as footballers, you're open to a lot of criticism, but for Dukey, he just powers through. He comes up with some massive goals.
"Obviously he was disappointed not to be selected in the initial squad. But he's also come back, he's kept his head down, and he's changed the game against Japan.
"He took his chance and his opportunity tonight with a goal and an assist.
"I love playing with him, and I have done for many years, and everything that he's given for the country. He's a top-class striker and hopefully he can keep going."
Duke relished Australia's turnaround in qualifying after Popovic took over from Graham Arnold, who resigned after a loss and draw in his first two games of the campaign.
"It feels damn good," Duke said.
"Not the best start (to qualifying) to be honest, and to get us here, into automatic qualification, we haven't done that for a while, just feels unbelievable."
Now 34, Duke knows he will have to kick up a gear to retain his spot ahead of next year's tournament in north America, especially with young strikers like Mo Toure waiting in the wings.
"All I can do is take the opportunities when they're presented to me, do well at club football, and hope I just keep doing well," he said.
Mitch Duke wasn't even supposed to be a part of the Socceroos' past two World Cup qualifiers.
Then he sealed Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance.
But his teammates never doubted his value, or ability to step up.
Duke, who for a second consecutive window was left out of Tony Popovic's squad only to earn a late reprieve, is soaking it all in.
The veteran striker came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Japan that effectively sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Then Popovic called on Duke to start against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where Australia only needed to avoid defeat by less than five goals.
Australia conceded the opener but in the 42nd minute, Duke teed up Connor Metcalfe to score the equaliser.
Three minutes after halftime, the much-maligned striker glanced home a header to put Australia in front with his first goal since January 2024.
"I wasn't even supposed to be here, to be honest," Duke said.
"Mat Leckie got injured, and I was a late call-up.''
He joked: "Got the voodoo doll out and maybe injured Leckie. Nah, kidding, sorry, mate.
"But it feels good, and probably a good way to silence some of the keyboard warriors as well. Feels good."
Duke had previously been open about critics on social media coming for him after he missed chances in Australia's Asian Cup quarter-final exit last year.
Winger Martin Boyle was singing the praises of hard-working Duke, one of the heroes of Australia's golden run at the 2022 World Cup.
"Absolutely delighted for him," Boyle told AAP.
"Obviously, as footballers, you're open to a lot of criticism, but for Dukey, he just powers through. He comes up with some massive goals.
"Obviously he was disappointed not to be selected in the initial squad. But he's also come back, he's kept his head down, and he's changed the game against Japan.
"He took his chance and his opportunity tonight with a goal and an assist.
"I love playing with him, and I have done for many years, and everything that he's given for the country. He's a top-class striker and hopefully he can keep going."
Duke relished Australia's turnaround in qualifying after Popovic took over from Graham Arnold, who resigned after a loss and draw in his first two games of the campaign.
"It feels damn good," Duke said.
"Not the best start (to qualifying) to be honest, and to get us here, into automatic qualification, we haven't done that for a while, just feels unbelievable."
Now 34, Duke knows he will have to kick up a gear to retain his spot ahead of next year's tournament in north America, especially with young strikers like Mo Toure waiting in the wings.
"All I can do is take the opportunities when they're presented to me, do well at club football, and hope I just keep doing well," he said.
Mitch Duke wasn't even supposed to be a part of the Socceroos' past two World Cup qualifiers.
Then he sealed Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance.
But his teammates never doubted his value, or ability to step up.
Duke, who for a second consecutive window was left out of Tony Popovic's squad only to earn a late reprieve, is soaking it all in.
The veteran striker came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Japan that effectively sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Then Popovic called on Duke to start against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where Australia only needed to avoid defeat by less than five goals.
Australia conceded the opener but in the 42nd minute, Duke teed up Connor Metcalfe to score the equaliser.
Three minutes after halftime, the much-maligned striker glanced home a header to put Australia in front with his first goal since January 2024.
"I wasn't even supposed to be here, to be honest," Duke said.
"Mat Leckie got injured, and I was a late call-up.''
He joked: "Got the voodoo doll out and maybe injured Leckie. Nah, kidding, sorry, mate.
"But it feels good, and probably a good way to silence some of the keyboard warriors as well. Feels good."
Duke had previously been open about critics on social media coming for him after he missed chances in Australia's Asian Cup quarter-final exit last year.
Winger Martin Boyle was singing the praises of hard-working Duke, one of the heroes of Australia's golden run at the 2022 World Cup.
"Absolutely delighted for him," Boyle told AAP.
"Obviously, as footballers, you're open to a lot of criticism, but for Dukey, he just powers through. He comes up with some massive goals.
"Obviously he was disappointed not to be selected in the initial squad. But he's also come back, he's kept his head down, and he's changed the game against Japan.
"He took his chance and his opportunity tonight with a goal and an assist.
"I love playing with him, and I have done for many years, and everything that he's given for the country. He's a top-class striker and hopefully he can keep going."
Duke relished Australia's turnaround in qualifying after Popovic took over from Graham Arnold, who resigned after a loss and draw in his first two games of the campaign.
"It feels damn good," Duke said.
"Not the best start (to qualifying) to be honest, and to get us here, into automatic qualification, we haven't done that for a while, just feels unbelievable."
Now 34, Duke knows he will have to kick up a gear to retain his spot ahead of next year's tournament in north America, especially with young strikers like Mo Toure waiting in the wings.
"All I can do is take the opportunities when they're presented to me, do well at club football, and hope I just keep doing well," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
It would be tragic not to tour Australia: Farrell
Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting". The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday. Australian rugby is facing significant challenges on and off the field and is the weakest of the three nations visited by the elite of British and Irish rugby, with South Africa and New Zealand completing the 12-year rotation. Furthermore, there is growing support for the Lions to visit France because of the strength of their national side and club game, as well as the commercial possibilities. The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: "It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. "Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia - the sporting nation that they are - are always going to come back. "Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. "It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way." Farrell's success as Lions head coach - as well as his obvious passion for the concept - makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. "Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about," he said. "Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. "I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon." Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting". The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday. Australian rugby is facing significant challenges on and off the field and is the weakest of the three nations visited by the elite of British and Irish rugby, with South Africa and New Zealand completing the 12-year rotation. Furthermore, there is growing support for the Lions to visit France because of the strength of their national side and club game, as well as the commercial possibilities. The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: "It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. "Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia - the sporting nation that they are - are always going to come back. "Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. "It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way." Farrell's success as Lions head coach - as well as his obvious passion for the concept - makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. "Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about," he said. "Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. "I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon." Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting". The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday. Australian rugby is facing significant challenges on and off the field and is the weakest of the three nations visited by the elite of British and Irish rugby, with South Africa and New Zealand completing the 12-year rotation. Furthermore, there is growing support for the Lions to visit France because of the strength of their national side and club game, as well as the commercial possibilities. The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: "It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. "Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia - the sporting nation that they are - are always going to come back. "Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. "It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way." Farrell's success as Lions head coach - as well as his obvious passion for the concept - makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. "Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about," he said. "Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. "I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon."
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
It would be tragic not to tour Australia: Farrell
Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting". The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday. Australian rugby is facing significant challenges on and off the field and is the weakest of the three nations visited by the elite of British and Irish rugby, with South Africa and New Zealand completing the 12-year rotation. Furthermore, there is growing support for the Lions to visit France because of the strength of their national side and club game, as well as the commercial possibilities. The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: "It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. "Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia - the sporting nation that they are - are always going to come back. "Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. "It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way." Farrell's success as Lions head coach - as well as his obvious passion for the concept - makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. "Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about," he said. "Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. "I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon."
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Wallaroos can match Wales in Sydney wet: skipper
Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor admits her side have learnt from their Ballymore upset as a wet-weather Wales rematch looms in Sydney. The hosts were stunned 22-12 in Brisbane last week and the sides will clash again on Friday at North Sydney Oval, the Wallaroos' final Test before next month's World Cup. Keen to play up-tempo rugby under coach Jo Yapp, Chancellor admits they must also show they're not one-trick ponies. With rain forecast, they'll get their chance. "We're confident with a lot of what we did, just need that execution to be a little better," Chancellor said ahead of her second game in charge. "We've been well aware it's going to rain for most of the time we've been here and it's stuck true. "We want to play to the conditions well and prove ... we can play this kind of rugby as well." Chancellor, captaining with Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, said the return of lethal winger Maya Stewart from a knee injury was "an emotional win" ahead of England's World Cup. Wales have made seven changes to last week's side, with back-rowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams to co-captain the side for the first time. Winger and three-time rugby sevens Olympian Jasmine Joyce will win her 50th Wales cap in Sydney. "Wounds are still open and you're feeling the pain ... it's a great opportunity," Chancellor said of the quick turnaround. Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor admits her side have learnt from their Ballymore upset as a wet-weather Wales rematch looms in Sydney. The hosts were stunned 22-12 in Brisbane last week and the sides will clash again on Friday at North Sydney Oval, the Wallaroos' final Test before next month's World Cup. Keen to play up-tempo rugby under coach Jo Yapp, Chancellor admits they must also show they're not one-trick ponies. With rain forecast, they'll get their chance. "We're confident with a lot of what we did, just need that execution to be a little better," Chancellor said ahead of her second game in charge. "We've been well aware it's going to rain for most of the time we've been here and it's stuck true. "We want to play to the conditions well and prove ... we can play this kind of rugby as well." Chancellor, captaining with Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, said the return of lethal winger Maya Stewart from a knee injury was "an emotional win" ahead of England's World Cup. Wales have made seven changes to last week's side, with back-rowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams to co-captain the side for the first time. Winger and three-time rugby sevens Olympian Jasmine Joyce will win her 50th Wales cap in Sydney. "Wounds are still open and you're feeling the pain ... it's a great opportunity," Chancellor said of the quick turnaround. Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor admits her side have learnt from their Ballymore upset as a wet-weather Wales rematch looms in Sydney. The hosts were stunned 22-12 in Brisbane last week and the sides will clash again on Friday at North Sydney Oval, the Wallaroos' final Test before next month's World Cup. Keen to play up-tempo rugby under coach Jo Yapp, Chancellor admits they must also show they're not one-trick ponies. With rain forecast, they'll get their chance. "We're confident with a lot of what we did, just need that execution to be a little better," Chancellor said ahead of her second game in charge. "We've been well aware it's going to rain for most of the time we've been here and it's stuck true. "We want to play to the conditions well and prove ... we can play this kind of rugby as well." Chancellor, captaining with Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, said the return of lethal winger Maya Stewart from a knee injury was "an emotional win" ahead of England's World Cup. Wales have made seven changes to last week's side, with back-rowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams to co-captain the side for the first time. Winger and three-time rugby sevens Olympian Jasmine Joyce will win her 50th Wales cap in Sydney. "Wounds are still open and you're feeling the pain ... it's a great opportunity," Chancellor said of the quick turnaround.
